Experience The Taste Of Summer With These Selections Of Gins

Taste of Summer

Amy Hopkins |
25 January 2019

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There’s nothing like a cool, refreshing G&T on a scorching-hot day to make you think summer is here. Besides being damn delicious, refreshing and the perfect way to spend an arvie, drinking G&Ts has some health benefits too! And we’re not just talking about the mood-boosting ones. Juniper berries – from which gin is made – are high in antioxidants and have infection-fighting qualities. Gin is also a natural spirit and lower in kilojoules than other alcohols!

The trick is not to overdo the sugary mixers. Opt for sugar-free or lite mixers (many brands are doing sugar-free tonics, like Schweppes) and add extra flavour with healthy garnishes, like fresh citrus, cucumber, berries, rosemary, mint and thyme. Or try Secco’s infusion packs containing freeze-dried fruit and spices to infuse your G&T (R149, Yuppiechef. com). Bonus: the herbs used to create gin can increase stomach acid and digestive enzymes, meaning it can improve your digestion.

Autograph Gin

A citrusy gin, Autograph is a new player on the scene. Visit their gin bar and tasting room in Stellenbosch. From R500 (750ml), AutographGin.com

Hendrick’s Gin

Many of you might not know this, but Hendrick’s Gin (from Scotland) was created by a woman, Lesley Grace, and has a distinct rose and cucumber flavour. From R350 (750ml), Hendricksgin.com

Gordon’s Gin

Gordon’s Gin is a classic that’s been around for nearly 250 years. It’s delicious with tonic, lemon, cucumber, mint and loads of ice! From R150 (750ml), GordonsGin.com

Hope on Hopkins Gin

Want to make your own gin? Blend yours at the Radisson RED Cape Town with Hope on Hopkins Gin at the OUI Bar. Not in CT? Order the HOH savoury Mediterranean Gin, it’s best served with olives. From R450 (750ml), HopeOnHopkins.co.za

Time Anchor Distillery

Mirari Pink Damask Rose Gin and the Blue Orient Spice Gin are distilled at the Time Anchor Distillery in Maboneng in Joburg and we’re obsessed with the gorgeous labels. Book for a bespoke tasting experience. From R359 (750ml), TimeAnchor.co.za

MONKS Mary Jane

MONKS Mary Jane – now that weed is (more?) legal, expect to see hemp flavours pop up in everything. It’s a trend! This is the first South African gin to be infused with hemp and it pairs really well with Fitch & Leedes Pink Tonic (try the sugar-free version, R46 for 6 x 200ml). From R450 (750ml), MonksGin.co.za

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Cocktail lover? Tanqueray London Dry Gin has been a household gin since 1830 and, because of its versatility, it’s a great cocktail gin. Think martinis and negronis (35ml gin, 25ml Campari, 25ml Vermouth and a slice of orange zest). From R230 (750ml), Tanqueray.com

The Duchess

The Duchess has launched a new herbaceous addition to the family of non-alcoholic G&Ts: the Greenery. Infused with rosemary, lime and cucumber, it’s the ideal drink for teetotallers or DDs. From R18 (275ml), TheDuchess.co.za

Sugarbird Fynbos Gin

Sugarbird Fynbos Gin tastes of the Cape. Think: buchu, rooibos, honeybush, citrus and cardamom. We’re obsessed with the new gin baubles that have launched just in time for the festive season. Because who doesn’t want a gin tree? They’ve also released a one-litre bottle. From R449 (1L), SugarBirdGin.com

Inverroche Gin Classic

Want fresh, crisp and zesty? Then Inverroche Gin Classic, served with some fresh lime and pomegranate will become your fave summer sip. Inverroche was really the pioneer of local craftgin and we love them for aiding in it becoming the trend it is today. From R350 (750ml), Inverroche.com